Workplace injuries can be some of the most severe and traumatic events an individual can go through, so obviously, you should prevent them whenever possible. However, even though we all try our absolute hardest to be safe while at work, jobsite incidents can still occur when you least expect them. Should this happen to you, you should know what not to do so that you don’t jeopardize your entitled compensation. These are a few of the most common mistakes made after a workplace injury and how to avoid them.
Failing To Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Believe it or not, there are a fair number of individuals who opt out of medical treatment following their injuries. They may do this for a multitude of reasons, but it’s often one of the most costly errors you can make in the long run. Not only does this slow down the healing process, but it also puts the injured party at risk for additional complications after the fact. This is especially true if the injury was severe enough to keep them out of work. As such, make sure you receive a full medical workup after your injury and obtain all the treatment you need.
Not Reporting the Incident to Your Employer
Forgetting or failing to report the incident to your employer is also one of the most common mistakes made after a workplace injury. In the case of arbitration, delayed responses can be suspicious, and you want to be as transparent and authentic as you can be for your claim. Many states even have a time limit during which an injured employee must report their accident, so if you wait too long, you could lose your chance to file a claim at all.
Not Knowing Your Rights To Compensation
Another thing that individuals often overlook is their own rights to compensation. The legal system can be an intimidating arena for anyone who’s never dealt with it before. But should you sustain an injury due to negligence on the part of your employer or a third-party, you do have the right to file a worker’s comp third-party case in court. These claims make it possible for you to receive funds to help pay for your medical expenses and make up for the time you spend at home recovering. For this reason, you don’t want to miss your chance.
